Man involved in police standoff released on bail

DOVER — Brian Karl, who was charged in connection with a six-hour armed standoff last week, has been released on bail from the Strafford County House of Corrections.

A letter was sent from Strafford County Mental Health Supervision to Dover District Court on Tuesday notifying Court Clerk Suzanne Doyle that Karl has been accepted into the Strafford County Community Corrections Bail Supervision Program.

Karl, 33, of 32 Isaac Lucas Circle, has been released back into the community, but has a number of provisions, including a mental health referral.

Conditions of his release include being prohibited from using alcohol, narcotic drugs and controlled substances as well as possessing firearms, destructive devices, dangerous weapons or ammunition.

He is also to not have any contact with his ex-girlfriend and her immediate family. He is prohibited from driving within 100 feet of Wentworth Gardens and New Meadows apartments in Dover. He also must abide by a no trespass order from Dover High School.

According to Police Chief Anthony Colarusso, Karl must wear a GPS monitoring bracelet.

On May 1, Karl followed his ex-girlfriend up to her apartment on Lilac Lane, attempting to give her flowers. When she shut her door and called the police, Karl brandished a pistol and threatened to kill himself.

Police responded, and after nearly six hours, were able to get Karl to put his gun down.

Karl was charged with reckless conduct with a deadly weapon and stalking. His bail was set at $50,000 cash.

Since the standoff, Karl is no longer employed by Dover High School, after having filled a temporary vacancy for the special education teacher position this past year.

Karl's bail order has not yet been released and it is not clear if he will have supervision from the mental health department at the jail now that he has been released.